People with Disabilities: A Texas Profile

Concluding Comments
This study provided a demographic overview of individuals with disabilities for both the U.S. and Texas.
A demographic description of the U.S. population of individuals with disabilities was first presented to
provide both a general overview and a context for the analysis of the Texas population. The Texas
population of individuals with disabilities was then detailed using 2011 ACS microdata with a focus on
the characteristics of civilian labor force participants with disabilities.
National data indicate the numbers of individuals with disabilities have been increasing since 2008;
however, the percentages of individuals with disabilities have consistently made up approximately 12
percent of the total civilian noninstitutionalized population. Women are more likely to have a disability
than men and the average age of the population of individuals with disabilities is older than the average
age of the population without disabilities. Individuals with disabilities most frequently reported having
ambulatory difficulties. The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is higher than for
individuals without disabilities and the average yearly income for individuals with disabilities is less than
for individuals without disabilities at every educational attainment level.
In Texas, the average age of a labor force participant with a disability was 47.5 in 2011. Approximately
29.7 percent of Texans age 16 and older with disabilities (797,326 individuals) were labor force
participants in 2011. Individuals with disabilities accounted for 6.4 percent of civilian labor force
participants age 16 and older in Texas. The three industries that employed the largest numbers of labor
force participants with disabilities in Texas were construction, elementary and secondary schools, and
restaurants and other food services. Labor force participants with disabilities who worked full time
earned an average salary of $39,826, whereas part time workers earned $10,930.
The demographic overview of individuals with disabilities presented in this report is meant to assist
policy makers and program planners in the design and implementation of relevant programs and
services. This study supports policy recommendations made by the Committee on People with
Disabilities (2013) to the 83rd Texas Legislature regarding individuals with disabilities in the labor force.
In order to support full employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, the Committee’s labor
force recommendations concern educating employers about legal requirements, supporting an inclusive
business climate, promoting accessible workplace technology, enhancing existing state services and
encouraging an integrated approach to service delivery, and responding quickly to emerging trends,
including the aging of the workforce.
Individuals with disabilities can enhance workforce diversity and offer employers the skills, knowledge
and experience that Texas businesses need to thrive. These individuals can strengthen the current and
future Texas economy and are a valuable resource for Texas employers. The Texas workforce system
must ensure that employers have access to every potential skilled worker.
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